The effect of exercise with dance game of Nintendo Wii toward body mass index and cardiovascular system in obese women

Abstract

     Obesity is a major health problem all over the world because it can lead to various other diseases. Exercise can be one of the best counteracted ways to obesity. The objective of this study was to study the effect of exercising by dancing in accordance with a Nintendo Wii game on body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular system of obese women (aged 18 - 23 years old). Thirty-two volunteers were divided into 2 groups; exercise group (n=15) and non-exercise group (n=17). All participants underwent a test by the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure the fat mass and BMI, and astrand rhyming cycle ergometry to measure the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) before and after the 4-weeks exercise program. The exercise group received an exercise program by Nintendo Wii game, which lasted for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week, for 4 weeks at a moderate intensity level (60 - 75% of maximum heart- rate). The non-exercise group was advised to follow their normal lifestyle for a period of 4-weeks. The study revealed that the exercise group had a significantly higher VO2 max than the non-exercise group (p<0.05). The BMI was significantly decreased in exercise group after complete exercise program (p<0.05). Therefore, this study indicated that exercising by dancing with a Nintendo Wii game can reduce BMI and enhance the cardiovascular function in obese women. Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2013; 46(2): 122-130